Peter Cullen has dedicated his life to “including the unincluded” through sport, and he’s hoping to take his work to the Vatican.
The Werribee resident founded Reclink in 1990, using sport to embrace the mentally ill and homeless.
“Some of the reflections from people who have used our services talk about the depth of isolation or marginalisation they have experienced,” Mr Cullen said. “We walk down the street, while they are walking the street.
“We go out for a night; they walk into the night. We have a family, while many of them had a family.
“Being involved in sporting teams or any sort of structured environment where there’s care and connection, it becomes more than a sport to them. It becomes life-saving.”
Earlier this year, Pope Francis announced his intention to host a three-day multi-faith sports conference in October to examine the role sport plays in society
“It’s clear that the Pope sees something about the power of sport, allowing people to do something that’s enjoyable and life-giving in the midst of struggle. It’s extraordinarily powerful,” Mr Cullen said. “In terms of what the Pope is looking for … we are such a good fit.
“We’d love to be part of it.”
Australian bishops are lobbying for Reclink’s inclusion at the October conference.
Reclink’s annual fundraiser, the Community Champions Run, is coming up on May 1. Register at www.reclink.org/communitychampionsrun
